Pattern of Slow Starts Catches Up with Rockets as Jazz Tie Series

posted by Ben DuBose -

May 3, 2018

James Harden had a game-high 32 points and 11 assists, but a 19-point deficit in the first half of Game 2 proved difficult to overcome as the Rockets fell to Utah, 116-108.

Houston shot just 10-of-37 (27%) from behind the arc on Wednesday, while the Jazz were 15-of-32 (47%) — led by a career-high 27 points from Joe Ingles (7-of-9 on three-point attempts). The best-of-seven Round 2 series is now tied, 1-1, with the all-important Game 3 on Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Our postgame show breaks down all the relevant storylines, led by yet another inexplicably lethargic start to a postseason game by Mike D’Antoni‘s Rockets.

Other topics include adjustments made by Utah coach Quin Snyder; the importance of Game 3, particularly in the context of Golden State leading its series, 2-0; how the early deficit may have compromised Houston’s shooting late by requiring them to expend so much energy in the middle portions of the game; and why Luc Mbah a Moute‘s return hasn’t helped the Rockets’ issues with dribble penetration as much as expected.

PREVIEW: @BenDuBose looks ahead to Game 3 with a discussion on how to fix the biggest Game 2 problems for the #Rockets, including dribble penetration on defense; low 3-point attempts on offense; and suddenly shaky depth behind the starters and Eric Gordon:https://t.co/EWthrEw0Un